Up for discussion this morning are voter demographics, alcohol pricing, Scotland’s war record and Christian heritage.
Elections must be meaningful for young people
Sir,-Various problems of voter registration threaten to make a mockery of the outcome of the General Election (April 7).
A recent report drew attention to low registration among two key groups members of the armed forces and people in the 18 to 25 age group, including about a fifth of people who are students. This is particularly disturbing for a number of reasons.
Taking the United Kingdom to war and the resources and tactics used in pursuit of war, is a key function of government. It is also a difficult matter for individual MPs.
Although servicemen and women have a duty to serve whatever administration is in power, they still have a right to express, through the ballot box, who they think should be in power.
We need to look closely at why so few do not think the right to vote is important.
Equally, it is vital that young people do not feel excluded from the political process. The likelihood is that the election outcome will be determined by large numbers of voters well over 50, living in marginal seats.
It would be a pity if young people simply gave up on the whole thing because they felt somehow that elections are for the middle aged and elderly.
We cannot easily reverse demographic trends.
But we must look at ways to convince youth that, with the right amount of vigour, they can do a lot to influence the way the country moves ahead.
Bob Taylor.24 Shiel Court,Glenrothes.
Drink pricing risk to industry
Sir,-Can I assure Jack Law of Alcohol Focus Scotland (April 5) that far from misunderstanding minimum pricing, I understand it all too well.
Rather than patronising those who take a different view from him, he would be better served producing hard evidence as to the effectiveness and legality of minimum pricing as a policy.
As I am sure he knows, there is none. Mr Law and I will agree that action is required to tackle abuse of alcohol but disagree about the form that it should take.
He supports blanket minimum pricing as proposed by the SNP, which will penalise responsible drinkers, damage the vital Scotch whisky industry, and is probably illegal, whilst I support targeted increases in alcohol duty on problem drinks such as alcopops and strong lagers and ciders.
Can we at least agree that this debate will be evidence-based and not founded on assertion and emotion?
Murdo Fraser MSP.The Scottish Parliament,Edinburgh.
War death figures accurate
Sir,-I refer to the letter by George K. McMillan (April 5) and in particular his statement “The growing tendency on the part of Scots…to highlight the casualties suffered by the Scots as compared with the English, Welsh or Irish is deplorable.”
There is nothing at all deplorable about making such comparisons and it is not a “growing tendency”.
The figures, particularly for the first world war, are well researched and published.
What is deplorable is the number of the casualties suffered by this small nation in comparison to others.
(Capt) Ross Watson.7 Chapman Drive,Carnoustie.
Destroying our heritage
Sir,-I was surprised and shocked when I read George K. McMillan’s letter (April 6) denouncing the most important and fundamental event of the Christian calendar Easter.
Why should we be condemned for wearing a cross, or praying with someone (as a nurse did recently with a sick patient)?
Perhaps I should remind him that Great Britain is a Christian country and has been for over 2000 years.
Should he not go to Saudi Arabia where he could be imprisoned for possessing a Bible, or where they still hold public executions, or Dubai, where a couple was imprisoned and deported, for an exhibition of affection in public?
With an attitude like Mr McMillan it is no wonder that Britain is becoming less and less Christian. Does he forget the origins of our country?
M. Clark.105 Keptie Road,Arbroath.
An example of how to live
Sir,- I write in response to the two letters (April 6) regarding public enactment of the Easter story in Perth and Pitlochry.
Two points were raised the first being that Christianity holds a disproportionate influence in our society and the second that such a bias towards it is an insult to other faiths.
Historically, since the time of Columba, Scotland has been a so-called Christian country so that, on that level at least, the celebration of Easter is part of our heritage.
Many younger people may not know the Easter story and why should it not be told by its peaceful re-enactment in public? This would not be intended to show disrespect for the equal rights of members of other faith groups.
To describe Christianity as a man-made belief system designed to create positions of power for certain people, is to misunderstand its very nature.
Christianity should be judged not by looking at the Church, with its many human failings, but at Christ whose life exemplified not power but rather humility, love, forgiveness, justice and peace.
Lesley A. E. Anderson.Rosemount,Riggs Place,Cupar.